Alie V Sison is the new director of sales and marketing at Swissotel Clark, replacing Albert Lafuente who is now resident manager of Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City.
Prior to that, Sison was director of sales at Raffles and Fairmont Makati as well as Mandarin Oriental in Manila. She was also director of sales and marketing at Discovery Suites Ortigas.
Indonesia welcomed G20 delegates this week with upgraded and sustainable infrastructure and attractions in Bali, with a spotlight on local cultural arts and craft and cuisine.
Angle Tanoesoedibjo, vice minister of tourism and creative economy, said at a virtual media briefing from Bali that the offer of various national dishes represented an Indonesian gastronomic diplomacy.
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy’s (MoTCE) deputy of tourism products and events, Rizki Handayani, shared that the Story of Gulu and Friends food theatre and the Archipelago on a Tray highlighted culinary delights from different parts of Indonesia.
She said: “The tray, for example, showcased (dishes with ingredients) sourced from Aceh to Papua. The duck, for example, was from Sumatra, coffee from Gayo (Aceh), and tea from West Java. All islands in the country were represented (in the lunch).”
The story of sustainable food sources was also presented through an integrated performance.
As part of the G20 side event, head of delegations visited the Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest Park. Ahead of the visit, facilities at the mangrove area were upgraded, including the construction of the entrance gate, parking area, G20 monument, plaza area, Beji (the sacred garden in the temple area), Wantilan (pavilion), mangrove tracking track, nursery area, nursery irrigation system, receiving area, viewing deck towards Benoa Bay, and viewing tower.
The Estuary Dam Solar Power Plant (SPP) also had upgrading works done, such as optimising the function of the water reservoir in the Muara Reservoir, which is expected to reduce the impact of climate change. This renewable energy transition is in line with one of the global issues at the G20 Summit.
In addition, Indonesia showcased its green energy concept by implementing the SPP on the Bali-Mandara Toll Road, with electric vehicles – 962 cars, 454 motorcycles, and 28 bus units – operated during the event to move G20 delegates around.
Brought to you by Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Bangkok’s world-class event platform reimagines itself beyond a convention venue into an exciting lifestyle destination for a new wave of visitors while respecting its legacy and heritage.
Bringing life into the state-of-the-art space, the newly-renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) is a recreational hub, art gallery, culinary and shopping powerhouse, and convention centre all rolled into one.
Distinguished by its convenient location, exceptional facilities and compelling offerings, QSNCC presents a value proposition that caters to the active urban population, both organisers and visitors alike.
Refreshing retail concept for active lifestyles
Divided into various zones including food and beverage, event support and active lifestyle, QSNCC boasts an impressive retail segment with over 11,000m² devoted to a new mall “BALM” (Bangkok’s Active Lifestyle Mall).
Offering a variety of leading retail brands, restaurants and amenities, BALM attracts and serves health and fitness enthusiasts, urban workers, MRT commuters and families.
Eco-friendly visitors to QSNCC can opt for sustainable transportation options by utilising the connecting QSNCC MRT station and the bus station which is in close proximity.
QSNCC is the only convention centre located in the heart of Bangkok, with direct access to the MRT station.
With QSNCC adjacent to Benjakitti Park, exercise lovers can also work out outdoors in the new green lung of Bangkok.
Addressing their various lifestyle needs, visitors can shop, dine and exercise within one convenient meeting place.
Awe-inspiring architecture & artworks
An architectural marvel featuring a unique exterior comprising stunning architecture inhibiting both Thai and international elements, Thai cultural characteristics are also reflected and Thai public art and history are represented in the interior design and decor of QSNCC.
To top it all, the Bangkok landmark showcases an interesting mix of traditional Thai and contemporary artworks within its revamped premises too.
Visitors can admire compelling artworks such as Woven Symphony (2022), a colossal embroidered tapestry crafted with hill tribe cloths, silk threads, sequins, beads and traditional Thai costume ornaments; Wooden Relief Sculpture of the Indrabhisek Ceremony (1991), a magnificent sculpture made of 56 hardwood pieces, capturing the meaning of power in Thai culture, where its source isn’t force but virtue; and Adam’s Bridge (2022), a handwoven tapestry made of waste fabrics and unwanted scraps such as soda cans, used stockings and industrial yarn fragments to illustrate the concept of sustainability.
Outside QSNCC at the entrance hall, Lokuttara (2022), dazzles as a lotus-flower-petals-like sculpture, pressed together in a prayer-like fashion to indicate a meeting or an assembly to do good deeds.
Bangkok Art Biennale 2022 also selected QSNCC as one of the leading arts venues to exhibit nearly 60 artworks from renowned artists from all over the world for five months from October 2022 to February 2023.
Set to be a MICE game-changer in the Land of Smiles, the redeveloped QSNCC is expected to attract over 13 million visitors per year after its recent reopening in September 2022.
Discover the new experience of “The Ultimate Inspiring World-Class Event Platform for All” at QSNCC here.
For event organisers and planners keen to explore QSNCC as a venue, reach out to us here.
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress returned to Hong Kong earlier this month after almost 30 years, and delivered a hybrid event that featured a diverse destination experience.
Drawing more than 500 in-person attendees and more than 3,500 online delegates, the five-day congress packed in training sessions, seminars, workshops and keynote speeches. The programme also gave in-person attendees a chance to participate in the Hong Kong Sevens and Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival – mega events that coincided with Hong Kong’s easing of travel restrictions.
JCI president Argenis Angulo said the congress was a “milestone in the history of JCI in Hong Kong”, due to its metaverse application that blended technologies with local cultures. Delegates were gifted with souvenirs in NFTs.
The congress had the full support of Hong Kong Tourism Board, from the bidding stage to programme delivery, with assistance offered for promotion and funding.
Karen Yeung, JCI Hong Kong national president, said: “Hong Kong’s flexibility, resilience and diversified experiences are key factors in winning this year’s world congress.”
Yeung hopes that the successful delivery of the congress will inform the world that Hong Kong is ready for more conferences.
Lanson Place Hospitality Management is exploring both investment and management opportunities to further grow the brand in major gateway cities in Asia-Pacific.
Poised to open its eighth property in Manila in 2Q2023 and its ninth in Melbourne in 2024, the management company had an “interesting discussion” to develop a “talent serviced apartment” in Shenzhen’s Greater Bay Area, which is being primed to welcome various industries and attract young talents, shared CEO Michael Hobson.
Lanson Place is also looking to own and manage properties for a more permanent presence in Shanghai and Beijing where its parent company, Hong Kong-listed Wing Tai Properties, has a presence.
The group has two high-end serviced apartments in Shanghai – Lanson Place Aroma Garden and Lanson Place Parkside.
Hobson said Lanson Place was keen on establishing a footprint in Tokyo three years ago, but plans were marred by the onset of Covid-19. Another target is London where Wing Tai already has properties in Mayfair.
Lanson Place has a compendium of seven managed properties – three in Hong Kong, two in China, and one each in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur – with a total of 1,000 rooms and residences.
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens in Melbourne will have 137 serviced units when it opens in 2024.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila will be its biggest property, with 247 hotel keys and 143 residential suites. It is the first hybrid hotel-branded residence for SMX Hotels and Conventions, which has nine mid-scale to luxury hotels and eight exhibition and convention venues throughout the Philippines.
Laurent Boisdron, vice president and general manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, said the property will have a full-service operation when it opens in April next year, including a spa, five F&B outlets, a grand ballroom and seven meeting rooms.
Boisdron added that targeted clientele comprises the strong domestic leisure market; corporates, with the numerous companies around the Manila Bay area; and business events, due to its proximity to SMX Convention Center Manila.
Not only have studies shown greater demand across the world for the hybrid hotel and serviced residences model as travellers now tend to stay longer in a destination, the hybrid model also presents lower risks to investors.
Harilela Hotels has appointed Edward E. Snoeks as general manager of The Hari Hong Kong.
The seasoned hotelier possesses three decades of experience in luxury hospitality across Europe and Asia including Hong Kong and Thailand.
Prior to joining The Hari Hong Kong, Snoeks was general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai. Other positions he has held include pre-opening general manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok & The Residences, as well as Thailand’s regional general manager and general manager of The Okura Prestige Bangkok.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will convene in Cologne, Germany for its 91st UFI Global Congress from November 20 to 23, 2024.
The meeting will be hosted by Koelnmesse at the new Confex Congress Center.
UFI president, Monica Lee-Müller, said in a statement: “What a way for me to end my turn as the UFI president – being able to share the news that our association’s biggest event will return to Cologne, one of UFI’s 20 founding members, in 2024. Cologne won the bid against strong competition from around the world.”
The congress will hold special meaning for host Koelnmesse, as the latter celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2024.
CEO of Koelnmesse, Gerald Böse, said: “2024 will be the year when tradition and future come together in a very special way. The time and place will be just right for another major event of our industry.”
The UFI Global Congress is highly regarded in the exhibition industry and is the largest global meeting of the year for professionals in this space.
Last held in Muscat, Oman this year, the congress will move to Las Vegas, the US for 2023.
Sabre and IATA are working to “a shared vision” to roll out the Offers and Orders (O&O) distribution and retailing platform as a better alternative to the legacy airline passenger system.
Investing billions in its own technological transformation – including a US$100m spend in 2022 alone – to drive innovation and transformation across the industry, Sabre is targeting O&O for “an aspirational goal of 100 per cent transition by 2030”.
Speaking to TTGmice on the side-lines of the recent CAPA Asia Aviation Summit, John Chapman, head of strategic sales and business development, Asia Pacific at Sabre, said there was convergence among full-service carriers wanting to “unbundle” their products and use artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand “what the customer wants, his propensity to pay and market conditions”.
Chapman explained O&O would move “PNR (passenger name record), EMD (electronic miscellaneous document for options such as preferred seating, baggage, priority boarding) and e-ticketing into one order”.
Stressing how the new “more transparent and modular” O&O capability would simplify the process, he noted: “IATA is driving standards and Sabre is thinking beyond standards with the goal of delivering a modern, intelligent retail platform.”
He added Sabre was “heavily developing” O&O with a projected beta version launch by 2024.
According to Chapman, European airlines such as Finnair and Lufthansa Group were looking at “wholly replacing their legacy system” to be able to personalise and market their products better.
He commented that the pandemic pushed NDC and O&O to the fore, and this transition “is ultimately about providing a win-win-win for travel suppliers, buyers, and the end consumer”.
“The new world of O&O will generate smarter, more relevant offers for agents to put in front of their travellers, while streamlining servicing and increasing revenue opportunities for agents,” said Chapman, adding that Sabre’s role as a trusted technology partner is “to facilitate these interactions, create opportunities and reduce friction for all elements of the travel ecosystem”.
“O&O is the natural development in the NDC journey, and we’re already working with a number of airlines to place NDC content in front of agents, and ultimately, travellers.
“Our innovation partnerships, including with Google, are also key in creating the technological solutions needed to create the best offers for travellers,” Chapman pointed out.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator has opened its latest property in the Thai capital – Centra by Centara Bangkok Phra Nakhon.
The 180-key low-rise hotel offers a selection of rooms built around an inner courtyard. Business travellers will also be able to utilise District M, a meeting space decked out with the latest audiovisual facilities, and can comfortably host 250 people cocktail-style, or 150-theatre style. There is also an additional pre-function space.
Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon is also located near Bangkok’s famous landmarks including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the National Museum, and Pak Khong Talat flower market.
Following a successful collaboration between Cvent and Zoom Video Communications, Inc in delivering an engaging end-to-end hybrid experience at Zoomtopia 2022, Zoom’s global hybrid conference, both companies are now working to bring the same capabilities to other organisations via the Zoom App Marketplace.
“We recognise the value Cvent brings as a long-time leader powering in-person events around the world,” said Steven Li, ISV sales and strategy leader at Zoom.
“Zoom has always been a company built to connect and bring people together, which is why we are excited to team up with Cvent so that our customers can seamlessly tap into our best-in-class platforms to deliver more dynamic and impactful hybrid events.”
“In today’s event environment, an organization’s Total Event Program includes a blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to maximise attendee engagement, reach and overall programme impact,” said Cvent CMO Patrick Smith.
“But without the right technology partners, organisations often struggle to effectively manage and execute their more complex hybrid experiences. As a leading communications platform, Zoom recognised this area of opportunity, and we’re excited to work with Zoom to help our mutual clients deliver world-class hybrid experiences.”